Due to the retail apocalypse and a variety of other reasons, musical instrument shopping can be a daunting task. However, we still believe when looking for an instrument it is best to go to the store and get a feel for it before making a transaction. Luckily there are still old neighborhoods in Beijing that are very much alive with the sound of music. Xinjiekou and Gulou Dongdajie are two prime examples. Here’s a little bit about what you can expect from a visit to these sections of old Beijing, along with a bit of their respective musical histories.

Xinjiekou

Dating back to the Qing Dynasty, Chaqu Opera was very popular among the royal families, and many of these families were located near Xinjiekou. For example, Prince Kung’s Mansion which is also in the area is brimming with tourists wanting a look into that bygone era. The legendary Beijing Opera singer Mei Lanfang’s house is also located nearby. The essence of this musical heritage still remains today.

From the south end of Xinjiekou to the north of Ping’anli, the entire street is lined with shops selling modern instruments as well as traditional instruments from China and around the world. Each shop is packed with musical instrument selections, with the shopkeeper often playing to pass the time, and you’re welcome to test any of them.

The choice inside the shops is really wide — traditional Chinese music instruments include erhu, pipa, flutes, guzheng, as well as western musical instruments such as pianos, violins, trumpets, saxophones, and drums. Additionally, many of the music shops also provide training classes (primarily in Mandarin) and repairs.

As many of the stores are selling similar items, make sure to compare prices based on quality, and also don’t forget that there is always some room for bargaining if your language skills are up for the test.

Above all, Xinjiekou is a place that maintains some of the traditional aspects of Beijing in spite of recent renovation projects going on to clean up and modernize this old neighborhood.

How to get there
Take subway Line 6 or Line 4 to the Ping’anli station, then walk, or taxi there by asking for Xinjiekou Nandajie.

Gulou Dongdajie

If you don’t find what you are looking for, try checking out Gulou Dongdajie, which is the popular tourist destination nearby the Drum and Bell Towers.

The selections in Gulou Dongdajie are certainly not as wide as Xinjiekou, but it might be a better place if you’re looking for rock instruments, partly thanks to the numerous livehouses in the neighborhood. Shops in this area are mostly selling electric and acoustic guitars, drum kits, keyboards, as well as the necessary accompanying gear such as amplifiers, speakers, and other accessories.

The prices are usually higher than ordering from the internet, but you get to test the instruments before making your investment. Plus there’s just a pretty cool rock ‘n’ roll focused vibe if you wish for that to be a part of your process of finding an instrument. Just make sure to have a general idea of the going retail price which should help you negotiate a good price.

How to get there
Take subway Line 2 to Guloudajie stop or take subway Line 8 to the Shichahai stop.

This article appeared on p14 of beijingkids June 2018 issue
Photos: Huang Chenkuang

You’ve probably noticed these baggies pictured below popping up in shopping malls, convenience stores, and even vending machines across the city. It was my wife that initially turned me on to these facial treatments. They are apparently pretty close to what you would find at a spa but sealed up in plastic in numerous flavors with each declaring that it will solve a specific problem. These are just the tip of the iceberg of what’s available to you, and they are super convenient when indulging in a spa treatment at every whim isn’t an option.

Hada Labo Aqua-Mask (RMB 79.9 for a pack of five)
Hada Labo, famous for their facewash and lotions, is owned by Mentholatun, and is maybe the most accessible Japanese brand to get in China next to Shiseido. It applies smoothly to your face, and after the recommended 15 minutes the results were noticeable with our skin feeling moist and gooey, a bit like a peach with its skin removed. This brand can be easily found at many beauty outlets, but maybe look on Taobao for a slight discount.

Shangpree Gold Premium Modeling Mask (RMB 229 for a pack of five)
Probably the most luxurious of the bunch, which perhaps explains why it comes in a 24K gold gel. They could have easily made it a burnt orange or a brown. This being said, it is also the brand that will most likely cause nightmares. Despite making you look monstrous, this two-step mask is well worth the price tag and filled with enough collagen, aloe, ginger root, and gold to help you turn back time Cher-style.

Herborist Rose Rejuvenating Mask (RMB 20 per pack)
This is one of the more high-end Chinese brands, and they can also be found in most shopping malls around town. These are loaded with a multitude of essential herb extracts, along with a high concentration of active ferment filtrates that provide nutrients to the skin and help with cellular regeneration. This is science speak for that it prevents obvious signs of aging, leaving your skin soft, silky, and full of elasticity.

Jayjun Aqua Collagen Skin Renewal (RMB 129 for a pack of ten)
Jayjun is currently one of the most popular Korean brands making these facial treatments. It makes use of multiple steps. The first is a gel consisting of hyaluronic acid essence, and the second part is the mask itself which is loaded with plant stem cells. Also, while we usually shy away from putting most types of acid on our faces, hyaluronic acid is known for treating everything from burns, wounds, and skin ulcers when applied topically.

Juyou Skin Repair Dressings (RMB 268 for a pack of five)
This medicinal grade facial treatment is a bit pricey, but for a good reason. From our minimal amount of research, these are the only ones actually used by hospitals to help in the healing process following a facial surgery, probably of the plastic variety. Luckily you don’t need to have had plastic surgery to reap the benefits from one of these Juyou masks. We gifted some of these to my mother during our last trip home, and she was pleased with the results!

San Sen Garden Firming & Sleeking Mask (RMB 65 for a pack of five)
Endorsed by Beijing beauty queen Fan Bingbing on the Xiaohongshu app, this brand has gained acclaim for helping to inject some much-needed moisture and firmness into millions of faces across China. We loved the packaging on this one. It made it look like this mask contained some ancient Chinese facial rejuvenation secrets. After using, it indeed left our skin feeling supple, but whether or not it had a much of a slimming effect would require us to break out a tape measure. We aren’t completely psycho.

Photos: Kipp Whittaker
This article appeared on p14-15 of beijingkids May 2018 issue

Things are progressing fast for students in a variety of subjects, and the art-room is no exception. The gear required to perform the tasks of contemporary artists have also advanced considerably. Here we selected a couple of cool gadgets, tools of the trade, and toys, to get your child acclimated to these very creative times and looking past the pens, pencils, paint, and canvas of yore. Here’s some gear that will stimulate and mold your child’s mind to embrace that creative spark within.

Lomo’Instant Automat Cabo Verde + Lenses
What was old eventually becomes new again, as the saying goes, and this cute little camera from Lomography is the perfect example of that. With the vast potential of digital photography, it can be refreshing to go back to the basics and learn the importance of getting your shot the first time instead of repeating the attempt over and over again. Automat Cabo Verde lets you push the boundaries with color gel flash filters, unlimited multiple exposures, a remote control lens cap and you can also use the close-up, wide-angle, or fisheye lens attachments and get a whole new perspective on your instant escapades. This small camera uses Fujifilm Instax Mini Film, so there’s no need to go through the hassle of getting your pics developed.

Wacom Intuos Draw
Throw out the pen and paper and begin learning what is now an essential tool for any digital artist. Wacom pads are synonymous with pen tablet technology, and the free downloadable sketching software and training will get you started creating your own digital illustrations in no time at all. Making the move to digital art couldn’t be easier with an Intuos pen tablet. The comfortable, pressure-sensitive pen makes drawing and painting feel natural, just like pen on paper. This is the entry level pen tablet but there also others, sold for a pretty penny, which make use of an HD display so that there is less looking up and down between your tablet and computer screen.

StikBots
StikBots are a unique, posable, and collectible figurine! At a basic level, they are fidget toys that are perfect for imaginative play. Their unique design allows for easy positioning on any flat surface thanks to their suction-cup hands and feet. This makes them perfect for creating stop-motion animation movies using their supplementary animation app for iPhone and Android operating systems. The set also includes a tripod to quickly and securely set up your smartphone for filming, along with a mini stage with a green screen and two prop boxes. This is an excellent gift for learning the basics of animation!

XYZprinting da Vinci 3D Pen
The da Vinci 3D Pen is a standalone device that can create 3D printed objects without the need of computers or Computer-assisted Design software. If you are anything like us, then it is possible that the prospects of a standalone 3D printer are a little overwhelming. After all, we grew up with shop class, not maker’s spaces. This tool, in addition to being an excellent introduction to the world of 3D printing, allows you to experience the basics in a pen-like enclosure so that you can draw 3D objects and models. The potential for fun, creative applications are astounding! What’s more, it is very safe! The da Vinci 3D Pen Education Package (sold separately) is a helpful guide for educators to incorporate the da Vinci 3D Pen in the classroom or at home.

HTC Vive
If you want to get the virtual reality set with most creative applications, then look no further the HTC Vive. With programs like Tilt Brush and LAB4242 PaintLab VR, this headset has really set itself apart regarding its artistic potential. Imagine being able to download an immersive scene created by a legendary Disney animator then being able to edit it yourself. This is what the HTC Vive offers. The only drawback is that it doesn’t come cheap. If you are looking for a more reasonably priced introduction to the world of virtual reality, we can also recommend the Playstation VR headset, which obviously has great gaming potential but is limited in terms of its submersion abilities. How often in your lifetime will a new creative medium like VR arrive? That’s exactly what this is! Keep in mind that VR is not recommended for use by younger children as it can be very disorientating.

Kano Computer Kit
Along with being a Raspberry Pie powered laptop that is easily assembled, it is also a powerful art creation tool that can also teach the basics of coding. With the Kano Computer Kit, you get all of the essential components making it the perfect first computer for your child. After the easy build, you can use written code and blocks to create interactive art, animations, and beautiful masterpieces of both sound and image. This is a fantastic device that has many learning benefits and advantages over your average tablet device.

Photos: Taobao, JD.com, Amazon.cn
This article appeared on p18-19 of beijingkids February 2018 issue.

Looking for original gifts to take home over the holidays? Or want to surprise a Beijing local? We have compiled a range of gifts mostly made in Beijing with a Chinese flair. Ditch the online buys and find a truly original piece. These artists are gems making our Beijing a bit prettier and more fun.

Salt and Pepper Shakers (RMB 180)
We found these fabulous baozi salt and pepper shakers from a designer brand called Pinyin Press. Their home wear and gifts are inspired by life in China. They have a range of fun things for around the home like tea towels, plates, bags and more. Go to www.pinyinpress.com for more gift ideas.

Liuba Draws Wall Calendar – RMB 170
We are in love with this 2018 calendar from a Russian artist living in Beijing. Liuba draws scenes from the city on postcards, magnets, key chains, and even does commission work. This calendar is a must-have for the New Year. Check out more of her work on www.liubadraws.com.

Beijing Pillowcases by TCA Graphic Art
This City Art (TCA) creates Beijing-inspired home wear and other fun goodies with a very colorful twist. We love these pillowcases that can spruce up any living room or kids area. TCA can be found on many Christmas markets and on their WeChat store: 5253521

Beijing Charm Bracelet by Antonia Samson Jewels
Price range: RMB 450-RMB 1,200, depending on the number of charms
This all-sterling charm bracelet is one for the keeps, I still own the one that my mother gave me when I was young. This is a perfect Beijing gift with a bling. Add Antonia on WeChat for more information (AntoSamp)

Monk Magnet by Cultural Keys
We all need stocking stuffers and Cultural Keys has the cutest magnet monk for any fridge or other magnetic fields. Cultural Keys stocks a whole range of Beijing items in their store and online. From personalized Chinese scrolls, to sneakers, they have it. Check out their website at www.culturalkeys.cn

Beijing Pollution Globe by Plastered 8 – RMB 228 (Snow Globe)
If there is one thing on our wish list this year, it should be the Beijing pollution globe. Pollution has never made us smile as much as this inventive and fun “snow” globe. Perfect for kids and adults alike. Family members that don’t live in Beijing can get a taste of life here while shaking this globe created by the fun people of Plastered 8. Find locations for their stores on www.plasteredtshirts.com

Beijing Kitchen Towels – RMB 80
These towels are made by a volunteer group of mothers who make great pieces like felt bags, Christmas decorations, and embroidered products like these towels. All the proceeds go to children’s charities and causes in China. Do good while buying gifts for family, friends and yourself. For more information and selling spots, email sewgorgeous@yahoo.com

Chopstick rests by GCdesign – RMB 340
Who does not need fancy chopstick rests? They can also be used as knife rests. These chopstick rests are created with golden brass and decorated with eggshells and come with a leather pocket holder. Find more pieces on www.gcdkdesign.com

Photos: Courtesy of the vendors

This article appeared on p16-17 of beijingkids December 2017 issue.

In days of yore, the closest thing we had to health tech was a rusty old scale sitting in the corner of our bathroom or one of those classic mercury thermometers that could be easily manipulated with the lightbulb technique. After reading this article it should be very apparent that we have moved light-years beyond these not necessarily outdated, but vastly improved upon tools. It seems like every week we read about some new tech that has emerged providing you with a new problem that needs to be addressed through technology. Here, we’ve assembled a handful of items that we feel could enhance your Beijing experience and your human experience in equal measure, helping to make a more healthy and positive you through technology.

Philips Avance Centrifugal Juicer
Where to buy: Various online stores
Price: Starting from RMB 1,800

So there is this fad, and we’re not sure if you’ve heard about it yet. It’s called juicing. Not to be confused with what is commonly associated with the bodybuilding community, but the act of juicing fruits, and filtering out all of the unessential items so that you are receiving pure nutrition. People around Beijing and beyond are making a small fortune for providing fancy bottled juice cleanses, but maybe you didn’t know that a DIY approach could likely save you buckets of money. There are plenty of resources on the internet on making and developing a perfect juice plan that is catered to your own needs and this item from Philips could be a great start towards achieving that.

Withings Smart Body Analyzer
Where to buy: Taobao.com
Price: Starting from RMB 1,300

Until recently, having access to a device that could calculate your weight, body mass index, and fat percentage was a rarity. But now they seem to be popping up all around, but this example from Withings also includes a couple extra features like heart rate, temperature, and air quality monitoring to sweeten the deal. These features, along with it being able to log eight family members’ data on an app makes this a very useful tool for monitoring the physical condition of everyone in the household.

Awair Air Quality Monitor
Where to buy: Taobao.com
Price: Starting from RMB 1,600

In Beijing, we are no strangers to air quality monitoring systems. It comes with the territory as they say. But while we don’t lack in helpful monitors that tell you whether or not it is safe indoors or out, we do lack in the monitors that provide other helpful information about the air quality in your abode. The Awair does just that, and it isn’t just a clever name. Along with providing you with real-time data about particle matter in your apartment, it also presents info about humidity, temperature, and carbon dioxide levels. This can be essential if you have breathing or skin problems, and there is also a list of presets you can choose from including pregnancy, beauty, wellness, and sleep that provides helpful information about what you need to do to achieve these optimal levels for your living environment.

Muse Brain Sensing Headband
Where to buy: Taobao.com
Price: Starting from RMB 2,500

Stress comes with the territory of living in a city of over 20 million people like Beijing. Meditation can be a useful way of cutting through the noise to find relaxation amidst the chaos, but it can be helpful to have something like this Muse headband to guide you through these mental exercises. With its seven EEG (Electroencephalogram) sensors placed along the scalp, the Muse brain sensing headband measures your brain activity in real time and alerts you to calm and stressed moments, and then guides you through a series of exercises so that you may train yourself to identify distractions. Knowing how and when stress is triggered will give you a better idea of how to counteract these feelings with calming techniques, including guided mediation or breathing exercises.

Lumo Lift
Where to buy: Taobao.com
Price: Starting from RMB 600

It’s no surprise that sitting at your desk all day can wreak havoc on your back and spinal arrangement. But yes, there’s tech for that as well. What a wonderful time to be alive. The Lumo Lift measures what you consider to be the perfect posture and allows you to keep track through pairing it with the app on your smartphone and be notified through a vibration whenever you deviate from this position. Just place the device under your shirt, below your collar bone, using the magnet and calibrate it to your desired posture. It can be a little bit of an annoyance, as it will vibrate whenever you aren’t sitting or standing straight, but so is your mom when she examines your spine to check if you have scoliosis. For people with chronic back pain the Lumo Lift could be a game changer, not to mention that better posture helps you breath more efficiently, increases blood circulation, and is proven to make you look and feel better about yourself.

Withings Thermo: Smart Temporal Thermometer
Where to buy: Taobao.com
Price: Starting from RMB 600

Imagine a thermometer that requires the most minimally invasive method available to check your body temperature within seconds. That’s exactly what this is. Using numerous sensors all you have to do is place this against your temporal artery and it automatically finds the hottest point to take its measurement from. Based on age, fever history, and symptoms the Therma App will give you an advanced interpretation, along with educational information on proper medications and dosages. Not only is this impossible to cheat with the old, hold it up to a lightbulb method, but it also connects directly to your smartphone for tracking this information.

Photos: xiaoyu_qian via Pixabay, courtesy of vendors

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This article originally appeared on p 20-21 of beijingkids August 2017 issue.
Download the digital copy here.